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Author: Jim Rose

Rev. J.E. (Jim) Rose is an ordained minister, licensed professional counselor, and certified clinical supervisor. He is a staff counselor at Covenant Eyes and specializes in sexual addictions and the unique needs of clergy and other professional caregivers. He is also the Director of Nehemiah Ministries, a 160-acre retreat and counseling center in south-central Michigan for pastors and missionaries.

As a Christian counselor working with addictions of various kinds my number one priority when working with clients is to point them to Jesus Christ as their deliverer. I will also say, by way of context, that I believe all addictions and obsessions ultimately result from our fallen nature, inherited from Adam, and redeemable by the Second Adam (Jesus–see 1 Corinthians 15:45). Having said that, however, I have also come to respect the intricacy of God’s design. Without minimizing the sin-effects of these kinds of problems I’ve learned that the solution is not as simple as “take two Bible verses … Continue reading →

A thirteen year old boy, punching holes in the wall, throwing things angrily, going to school only intermittently, refusing to do anything that will take him away from his obsession. Is this the plot of a new reality TV show? No. Actually it’s a real boy from Sydney, Australia. His mother is beside herself and desperate for help. She’s gone to specialists. She’s talked to a psychiatrist. What could possibly have such a hold on him? His mother said, He won’t go to school. He missed most of this year and most of last year. I can’t get him out … Continue reading →

Back in the 70s (when I was a teenager) there was a popular ad campaign for boys by Charles Atlas. If you’re old enough, you remember it: I was that skinny kid. My ribs showed. I suffered the ignominy of being pushed around by guys bigger (and even smaller) than I at school. I definitely liked the idea of getting big and tough in only 15 minutes a day. I could finally kick sand back at them! I saved my pennies and ordered the course. It seemed like it would never arrive, but when it did I had as much … Continue reading →

In 1984, two years into my first pastorate, with all the idealism and enthusiasm of youth, I presented my church with a vision for the future. As I am fond of doing, it was laid out step-by-step, with helpful diagrams and graphics, and a personal copy for each person to study. I spent weeks getting it ready. Though I expected some resistance, I was in no way prepared for outright rejection—even less so for the mocking and ridicule of my ideas: I got it all. The next year was long and difficult, with a growing sense of isolation and despair, … Continue reading →